March 16 St. Baldrick's event to raise money for childhood cancer

The Brefka family, from left, father Steve, son Braxton, and mother Chris. On June 25, they received the diagnosis that young Braxton had B-cell leukemia. Currently Braxton is doing well and there are no current signs of cancer - but he will remain in treatment until Aug. 31, 2015. Last year, Chris was the first mother to shave her head at FDL's St. Baldrick's event. Both the parents will again be shaving their heads in the March 16 event.

The St. Baldrick's Foundation, a volunteer-driven charity dedicated to raising money for childhood cancer research, will host one of its signature head-shaving events at the Fond du Lac High School on March 16, where more than 100 will shave their heads in solidarity for youth with cancer - and raise money to Conquer Childhood Cancers!

Why all the shaved heads? Worldwide a child is diagnosed with cancer every three minutes, and one-in-five children diagnosed in the U.S. will not survive. With only four percent of all federal cancer research funding dedicated to pediatric cancer research, St. Baldrick's Foundation volunteers, supporters and donors are needed to continue the battle against this devastating disease.

New this year, at the Fond du Lac event, there will be 30+ businesses participating in the vendor fair, which will be donating items to be won for suggested donations, and some of them donating their proceeds to the cause.

Local schools and clubs will be hosting the "Curenival," which is a "Carnival for a Cure," with games, prizes and Wayne's inflatables, with an obstacle course and bounce house.

We will have the 501st Star Wars Costuming Club joining us to represent the "dark side of the force!" Twelve members of the 501st will be attending, with eight members shaving their heads.

D.J. Galaxy will be providing music. Theresa's Voice &Acting Studio students will be performing various musical performances. Phillip Johnson, the young man who recently auditioned for The Voice, will be singing. Ang & Eddie Pizza, and Backstage Grill & Bar, will be providing great food, along with Moraine Park Technical College's Culinary Club making all the treats for, and running our bake sale.

Last year we had over 100 shavees, 400+ attendees, and raised almost $40,000. To date, more than $300,000 has been raised in the past six years.

For more information about the St. Baldrick's Foundation, call 1-888-899-BALD or visit www.StBaldricks.org. For more Fond du Lac area event information, visit St. Baldrick's Fond du Lac on Facebook or follow StBaldricksFdl on Twitter.